A generalized methodology for the definition of reactive porous materials physical properties: Prediction of gypsum board properties

highlights � An integrated methodology for the prediction of physical properties is presented. � Correlations of tortuosity versus porosity and of shrinkage versus temperature are given. � The porosity, tortuosity and effective diffusion coefficient temperature variation are calculated. � The effective density, thermal conductivity and specific heat temperature variation are calculated. � The calculated values are compared to experimental data and found to accurately agree. article abstract This paper presents an integrated methodology for the prediction of the physical properties of porous materials implemented in gypsum plaster boards. The methodology, coupled with the reaction kinetics of gypsum boards thermo-chemistry, is programmed in an in-house developed code named GPRO in order to predict the physical properties related to microstructure, heat and mass transfer, of gypsum boards at elevated temperatures. To support the above, the authors propose a correlation between the tortuosity factor and the volume porosity of a porous material, applicable for the whole porosity range, and a correlation for the shrinkage percentage of different gypsum board types versus temperature. The predictions agree well with experimental data, accurately capture the main thermo-chemical processes taking place in a heated gypsum board. In the long run and after validation with appropriate experimen- tal data the utilization of such a code could be an extremely useful tool, especially in cases where exper- imental measurements could be a time and cost intensive procedure. The current work presents such an experimental validation for one typical gypsum board.